Last updated on January 24, 2022

Sofas are one of the most used furniture pieces in every home. Whether you want to relax after a long day of work or spend a peaceful weekend with your family and friends, your living room sofa always has your back- quite literally!

Sofas at Home:
An Introduction on
How to Maintain a Sofa

The sofa is the first thing that visitors notice. The house is a reflection of its people so an ill-suited and poorly-maintained couch can negatively impact people’s perception of you.

So, it’s important to know how to clean a sofa at home to keep hygiene prime. Sofa Sets at Wakefit help create the best impression and suit every living space.

People often invest in expensive sofas and couches, considering their use and aesthetic value. However, every sofa undergoes some wear and tear over some time.

Dust, food spillage, body oils, pet fur, and other stains can affect the quality and look of the sofa. Moreover, an unclean is not just an aesthetic concern but hygiene and safety concern as well.

Due to these factors and the lack of knowledge on how to clean a sofa at home, people tend to buy easy-to-maintain sofas in dark colours and durable fabrics.

However, they can make the room look uninviting if they do not match the interior design. Maintenance concerns should not deter anyone from buying a sofa of their liking.

Importance of Cleaning Sofa at Home

Keeping your sofa sets clean will maintain the longevity of the upholstery. Cleaning fabric sofa helps to keep their original appearance for long and keep the colours intact.

Also, cleaning helps eliminate foul smell that gather with time, a sense of dampness, and stains. And if you have pets, their hair and dirty paws can bring in grime. Such elements can pollute the sofa and make your children or family members sick.

Moreover, cleaning sofa at home fills the living room with fragrance and makes it more inviting.

  • Eliminates old stains

Sofas accumulate dirt, germs, grimes, and what not over the time! And your family members unknowingly sit, sleep and binge watch series!

So, it’s time to remove the older stains through sofa washing and sofa shampooing. After all, it’s your health and mood that comes at stake.

  • Removes odour, leaves fragrance behind

An unclean sofa will stink and fill the room with a nasty smell, often mild. And these need to go. So, it’s important to know how to sanitize sofa sets and bring back the lost fragrance.

You can use natural fabric sofa cleaner found in your kitchen to do some sofa deep cleaning. It also impacts the children’s mindset unknowingly.

If your sofa is leather you can look at some tips below on how to clean leather sofa sets. So, let’s make hygiene prime.

  • Extend sofa longevity

Cleaning sofa at home increases the furniture’s longevity. not only will they retain the colours but also the quality. It keeps germs and bacteria away so your indoors can smell fresh and welcoming.

You tend to boost the longevity of your sofa way more than estimated. Hence, continue cleaning sofa at home and maintain hygiene.

 

Proper maintenance, a regular cleaning routine, and simple hacks can save the sofa from significant wear and tear. It will drastically increase the life of the couch and ensure you derive maximum value for the price you paid.

Learning how to clean a sofa at home and cleaning your sofa yourself instead of hiring professionals can help keep your wallet happy as well!

In this article, we will answer all your questions about how to clean a sofa at home, how to clean sofa cushions, how to dry clean sofas at home, and how to maintain it all:

Pre-Cleaning Practices:
All You Need to Know
Before You Clean Your
Sofa at Home

Things to Consider before Cleaning Sofa at Home

Each sofa is made differently. Depending on the shape, material, fabric, and cut, the cleaning requirements also vary. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “how to wash sofa at home?”

For instance, you have to treat our Single Seater Lounger and Amoeba Sofa Cum Bed differently, depending on the fabric or linen you choose. Hence, the foremost step is to understand its requirements.

Follow this pre-cleaning checklist for optimum results:

Sofa fabric

a. Understand the Sofa and Its Needs

Sofas come in a wide variety of fabrics. Leather, velvet, linen, cotton, polyester, and various fabrics are used in making a sofa. Some sofas have a combination of two or three materials, and every material has its requirements. Thus, it is essential to identify the fabrics used in your sofa first. You will often find this information on tags and bills.

If you have purchased a sofa from Wakefit, you will find the information regarding fabric on the website too. If you cannot find the type of fabric, you can take pictures of it and search online to know about the kind of fabric used. Some of the most popular sofa fabrics and their care needs are as follows:

  • Leather: It is easy to clean but does not need to be drenched in water. It is enough to wipe the surface with a wet cloth. Using a lot of water can damage it.
  • Velvet: It catches a lot of lint and dust, and you can clean it with soft detergents.
  • Cotton: It is an easy-to-maintain fabric but can often shrink upon washing. As a precaution, it is good to dry clean it for the first few times.

While doing this, also look at whether any portions of the sofa are detachable. Some couches often come with a removable cover, which makes them extremely easy to clean. Therefore, look for these additional features as well.

If you are planning to buy a new sofa, understand your needs and requirements and consult with the manufacturer about how to clean a sofa at home. Some fabrics, such as velvet or light-coloured fabrics, may need more care than others.

Thus, consider the material before investing in a couch. Wakefit Snoozer Sofa Set is our personal recommendation for your comfort and ease of cleaning.

Sofa material

b. Review Manufacturer’s Instructions on Cleaning

Most manufacturers provide information on cleaning. You must understand these instructions and follow them. The manufacturer is the best person to advise on the requirements of the sofa. Hence, manufacturer instructions are the most reliable source of information for you to understand how to clean a sofa at home.

How to clean a sofa at home

c. Familiarise Yourself with The Cleaning Tags

Still, some manufacturer instructions can be confusing to understand. Here is a quick glossary of what the words on the sofa tag mean.

  • W: W stands for water-based cleaners. It means that you can clean the fabric with regular, home-based cleaning agents, such as detergent or fabric sofa cleaners.
  • S: S stands for solvents. It means that you must use only a certain kind of chemical solution for cleaning. These fabrics need to be dry cleaned by professionals. We have discussed how to dry clean your sofa at home in the latter section of the article.
  • W/S: It means that you can use both solvents or water-based cleaners for this fabric.

Fabrics often mention ironing instructions on them, as well. As following these instructions is vital, do not go against any of them. Even a minor mistake can completely ruin the fabric and make it look shabby.

layer11

d. Get Rid of Dust and Grime Before Sofa Deep Cleaning

Before you know how to clean a sofa at home, follow these steps to get rid of the first layer of dust and grime.

1. Vacuum the Dust

Vacuuming is a great way to start the cleaning process. It collects the upper layer of dust, fur, and food crumbs quickly. The sofa thus gets a fresh look. If you are in a rush and want a quick cleanse, use a vacuum cleaner for sofas and beds.

Make sure to check all the corners and hidden areas to ensure a complete clean-up. If your vacuum cleaner for sofa and bed comes with different attachments for fabric brushes, make use of them. However, it is not mandatory, and a regular vacuum cleaner will also be effective.

2. Dust Off the Sofa

The vacuum cleaner will pull out the top layer of dust, but you must wipe off the surfaces with a wet cloth to get a spruced-up look. Do this step only if your fabric can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
For example, suede and velvet do not go well with wet cloth cleaning, but this method works while cleaning leather sofas.

3. Pick the Lint

Lint is the tiny particles of cloth that gather on the fabric over time. Vacuum cleaners are unable to catch them. Lint takes away the smooth finish of the material, so it is vital to get rid of it.
Invest in a lint roller and roll it all over the sofa to catch all the lint. It is a multipurpose tool and can be used on all fabrics.

4. Steam Clean Sofa

The use of warm steamers can help release the dust and get a cleaner couch. However, it is not a mandatory step, so don’t worry if you do not have a steam cleaner for a steam clean sofa.

Follow these steps for a quick clean every fortnight or a month, depending on your needs. This quick clean will be sufficient for the short term.

Better yet, pick a chic sofa that’s easier to maintain!

How To Clean a Sofa
at Home: Expert Cleaning
Methods to Keep Your
Sofa Spotless

Sofa deep cleaning has various aspects to it. Deep cleaning is an extensive process, and you can do this every six months to maintain the quality of your sofa. If done regularly, this process will not take a lot of time.

How to clean fabric sofa at home

a. How to Remove Stains from Indian Sofa

Stains are a primary concern when it comes to understanding how to clean a sofa at home. Sofa stains are notorious. Even a small stain can take away the real charm of your sofa. Here is how you can effectively deal with sofa stains:

  • Take Quick Action

As soon as you stain the surface, clean it. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it. So, make sure you do something about it immediately.

No matter what kind of stain, the first step is to wipe off the substance. Whether the stain is caused by food, paint, mud, or something else, clean it with a cloth first.

Ensure you pick up the excess substance smoothly without spreading it to other parts of the sofa.

  • Take the Right Action

Dropping something on the sofa often makes people panic, and they act without thinking, which may further damage the fabric.

However, you must stay calm and choose the right kind of cleaner based on the type of fabric. If the material is marked with an S, do not use water-based cleaners on it.

Rubbing alcohol is a good alternative for such fabrics. Similarly, if your fabric is marked with W, you can use water-based detergents to spot clean the sofa.

Detergent pens are an excellent option too. For delicate fabrics, sofa shampooing will also help.

  • Cleaning Tough Stains

Stains from food are easy to get rid of, but others may be harder to manage. Here are some types of stains that you can remove with proper sofa washing techniques.

Take a look at how to remove stains from sofa with fabric sofa cleaner tools that you can find in your kitchen.

paint

1. Paints and Grease

If you have managed to stain your sofa with them, the first step is to use a detergent cleaner. If the stain does not vanish, here’s how to clean fabric sofa naturally. Use vinegar or baking soda and rub it with a toothbrush. This should help in lightening the stains.

If it persists, you may need to get some professional assistance for it. Baking soda also acts as a natural deodorizer, so it will remove any foul smell that comes with the stain.

stain

2. Water Stains

Ironically, water can also stain your sofa. Yes, here’s how to clean fabric sofa at home. Wet a washcloth or napkin, dab at the stain until it is damp. And then use a soft toothbrush dipped in vinegar to gently scrub the stain away.

Since water can also leave stains people also ask how to clean fabric sofa without water. Use baking soda as it’s cleaning properties eliminate stain and is gentle on the material.

gravy

4. Gravy

Scrape off any dried bits first. Use cornstarch to dry the stain out, and vacuum the surface of the couch to get rid of it. If it remains, dilute a tablespoon of dish soap in two cups of hot water. Carefully sponge the stain until it disappears. Afterwards, dab at the surface with clean water to remove any soapy residue.

  • Stains That Stay

No matter how hard you try all the remedies on how to remove stains from sofas, some stains are bound to stay. You can still work around them to make them less prominent. Cover them with an additional cover or a pillow.

If they are on a removable cover, consider switching the sides of your cover so that the stained portion goes inside. If they are on the armrest, you can install a wooden panel over them.

Wood-paneled armrests can be used as a pseudo table to keep coffee mugs and notebooks conveniently. This is a perfect idea to convert an accident into an opportunity and upgrade your sofa’s features.

  • DIY/Homemade Stain Removers

Here’s how to clean fabric sofa naturally. Mix two tablespoons of detergent, two tablespoons of white vinegar, and one tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl. That’s all, your fabric sofa cleaner is ready! Spray this on the stain and let it stay for five or six minutes before wiping it off.

However, it is advisable to test this solution on an extra fabric beforehand. If your sofa is not suitable for water-based cleansers, you can try rubbing alcohol or acetone on it to clean it. It will act as a dry cleaning agent and get rid of stains.

How to clean a sofa at home

b. Deep Cleaning the Indian Sofa

Every six months or a year, you must thoroughly deep clean your sofa. The practice of sofa deep cleaning also keep your family members healthy and keeps bacteria and dirt away.

The living room speaks of comfort and a clean environment. You can use a vacuum cleaner for sofa and bed to also clean sofa cushions. Here is how to wash sofa at home.

  • Follow the pre-cleaning steps mentioned above.
  • For removable sofa covers, sofa washing is easy. Directly wash them in the washing machine. It is advisable to soak them in detergent beforehand to loosen the dust and grime.
  • For the attached portion of the sofa, use a cleaning brush and detergent solution and thoroughly clean the sofa. This step is also known as sofa shampooing.
  • Put it on in the sun for a few hours so that it dries out completely. Do not have a damp sofa in the house as it can stink over some time.
  • Once the sofa is cleaned, use perfume or a scent to freshen the space up.

These deep-cleaning tips on how to clean a sofa at home are only applicable for fabric-based sofas. They are washable and hence can be cleaned using this method. However, if you have a leather sofa , check out the next part of this article.

How to clean leather sofa

c. Cleaning a Leather Sofa

Leather sofas are charming and instantly add appeal to your modern room design. However, it is slightly tricky to maintain them. Overall, they are easy to maintain and clean if specific steps are followed properly. There are many kinds of leather sofas. Some of the most popular ones are as follows.

  • Top Grain Leather: It is one of the purest forms of leather. However, it can be cleaned, buffed, and polished to increase its longevity. This sofa adjusts to temperatures well and does not have problems with overheating. It is best
    to invest in leather fabric cleaning solutions. They are usually inexpensive and highly effective.
  • Faux Leather: It is a relatively inexpensive variety of leather. It provides the look of leather, but it is not made from animal hide. Maintenance of faux leather is relatively more manageable, but the material tends to crack over
    time. To avoid this, ensure that it is kept dry at all times.
  • Suede Leather: Suede is a popular sofa fabric. Using gentle, mild cleansers is the best way to protect this fabric.

Quick Tips on How to Clean Leather Sofa

There are different type of sofa material that people use. And one of the most chic is the leather counterparts. How to clean leather sofa Here are some general tips for how to clean leather sofas.

avoid moister

1. Avoid moisture

Moisture is the enemy of leather and can spoil it quickly.

daylight

2. Keep away from direct sunlight

Sunlight can spoil leather and change the colour of the fabric. If your living room has a lot of windows, you can switch the sides of the cushions and pillows regularly to ensure they are not discoloured.

try homemade

3. Try homemade solutions for immediate care

Using a DIY solution mixed with white vinegar and olive oil will protect the sofa from discolouration. This is also a simple solution on how to clean sofa cushions at home.

damp wipe

4. Always use a damp or dry cloth to wipe the dust

Do not let the sofa stay moist for too long. Wet leather can lead to the formation of fungus or mould.

vacuum

5. Vacuum

While vacuuming is great for a quick clean, keep the temperature of the vacuum low as heat can cause damage to the fabric.

Depending on the sofa requirement of your home, you can opt for specific seating capacity, set type, sofa set type and upholstery material from the wide range of Wakefit sofas online .
Choosing the right sofa will make cleaning so much easier.

How to sanitize sofa

d. Disinfecting Your Sofa

All family members and guests use the living room sofa. Therefore, it is prone to accumulating germs, which can lead to the spread of infections and diseases. Apart from cleaning, knowing how to clean a sofa at home and how to sanitize a sofa are also vital.

Sofas should be disinfected often, as germs spread from one person to another. It should be done immediately after guests arrive or leave to maintain good hygiene.

How to Sanitize Sofa: 5 Steps for Sofa Deep Cleaning

Unlike cleaning, disinfection is a relatively quick and easy process. Disinfection means getting rid of the germs and bacteria on a surface. These bacteria may not be visible to you but can cause various health issues.

You can choose any hand or laundry sanitiser or natural disinfectant spray. Most of them are mild and will not damage the fabric.

However, as a precautionary measure, you must test the disinfectant on a corner and wait for some time to check for any damage.

Follow these steps for quick disinfection, cleaning and sanitizing.

  • Pour the natural disinfectant or alcohol disinfectant into a spray bottle. To make your disinfectant, mix together rubbing alcohol, aloe vera juice, and essential oil. Shake well before use.
  • Spray the solution from five to six inches away. Ensure to douse the entire sofa.
  • Do not wipe it away, let it absorb on its own. Alcohol disinfectants are made of volatile substances, so they evaporate quickly.
  • Keep any flammable objects away while using disinfectants.
  • Use disposable gloves during the process.

Other than disinfecting against germs, you need to also keep a check on bed bugs, cockroaches, and other insects that may live inside your sofa.

Just knowing how to sanitize a sofa is not sufficient, you must take care of pests as well. Regularly use a pest control solution to keep the bugs in check.

Cleaning and sanitizing can protect you and your family from harmful germs and viruses.

However, both alcohol disinfectant and natural disinfectant products are great for cleaning fabric sofa. They are easy to maintain. Plus, if you want to learn how to clean fabric sofa without water, use baking soda. It cleans and doesn’t even damage the fabric or whichever type of sofa material you choose.

e. How to dry clean sofa at home

If you want to clean your sofa set without using water, you can use baking soda. It has cleaning properties that don’t harm the material but eliminate stains and dirt at once. Also, it eliminates foul smell.

Here are some steps on how to dry clean sofa at home:

  • First, clean the sofa with a vacuum cleaner for sofa and bed. Remove any dirt or dust.
  • Second, spread a thin layer of the baking soda on your lounger.
  • Third, use a brush to scrub the surface gently till the stain goes away.
  • Fourth, leave it as is for an hour or so.
  • Finally, vacuum the area and find a spotless couch!

Why not pick from the lot that’s easy to clean? It saves you time and energy!

Sofa Maintenance
and Care in India

Now that you know how to clean a sofa at home, you must also learn how to maintain the freshness of your sofa. Maintenance is crucial because everyday habits and simple steps can increase the longevity of your furniture and decrease the number of times you have to deep clean.
In general, follow these guidelines regarding how often you should maintain your sofa.

  • Spot clean your sofa immediately after the stain occurs.
  • Washing your rugs and cleaning upholstery once a week.
  • Dust your sofa down every day.
  • Vacuum and disinfect your sofa at least once a week.
  • Get your sofa professionally cleaned at least once a year, preferably twice.

Quick Ways in Which You Can Choose the Best Sofa and Maintain It Over Time

First and foremost, you should figure out which type of sofa material you want to go with. Is it fabric or does leather take the soft spot in your heart? Now, why would you think about which type of sofa material to stick with? Well, it’s not just looks.

Your back and hip muscles will depend on it, literally! So, comfort is one aspect. And a sofa will not clean itself. Hence, cleaning and sanitizing your sofa becomes another reason.

Therefore, you will customize your cleaning efforts likewise, to get the most (dirt) out of it. Whether it’s about cleaning fabric sofa or maintaining your leather friends, longevity will win.

Sofa washing

1. Form Over Function

When choosing a sofa, understand how much time you can dedicate toward its maintenance and only then invest in one. Fancy fabrics and designs may seem attractive initially, but if you cannot manage them, they will lose their charm.

Thus, it is best to select a functional sofa. Further, do not choose fabrics that are difficult to clean if there are children in the house. You can pick from the wide variety of sofas from Wakefit and find a piece that will perfectly fit your needs.

Cleaning sofa at home

2. Choose Sofas with Legs

If you buy a new sofa, always choose pieces with stands or legs. Sofas that you can lift from the ground are easier to maintain. They allow you to clean the floor without any hassle. Floor-touching sofas though look great in your tv room design but often get dirty while mopping, causing them to have a weak base.

Cleaning fabric sofa

3. Customizable Sofas

If you live in a small space, a sofa can make the room look cluttered. Thus, it is best to look for multipurpose options, such as Wakefit’s sofa-cum-bed unit . And if your type of sofa material is fabric, it’s really easy to maintain!

And if you wonder how to clean fabric sofa without water, baking soda is your go to. You already know that baking soda is a powerful cleaning agent. It helps remove stain and smell without causing harm to the fabric.

How to clean sofa cushions

4. Swap Cushions

Using the same sofa for years can get monotonous and boring. Thus, a good way to bring newness into your room is to swap out cushions . Differently themed cushion covers can give it a new look every season.

Cushions look great on elegant sofas. But not when the lounger smells.

budget

5. Stick to Your Budget

Splurging on an expensive sofa can seem possible in the beginning. But remember that you have to use it every day. It is not worth buying an expensive piece of furniture if you are going to be worried about it constantly.

A crazy combination: Chic sofa, easy to maintain, and at a reasonable price!

Everyday Practical Hacks
for A Clean Sofa in India

Often, the maintenance solutions that we hear about are not practical. Thus, you must look at these practices and create more actionable and practical solutions for yourself. After all, the sofa is a place for you to relax without constantly stressing about its maintenance.
Follow these simple steps to maintain your sofa:

add a rug

Add a Rug

Everyone loves to put their feet up on the sofa. It is very comfortable and relaxing. However, dirty feet can leave stains on the fabric. Getting up to wash your feet every time you want to use the sofa is not practical. Instead, add a rug so that you can easily wipe your feet before putting them on the sofa. It will further add to the decor of the house.

Sofa cleaning tools

Keep Cleaning Tools Nearby

Most households store disinfectants, laundry sanitiser cleaning solutions, and detergents in their bathroom or storerooms. This leads to minor stains being ignored because the required equipment is not readily accessible.
Store small bottles of sanitisers and DIY cleaning solutions in your living room so that you can instantly take action. If you have pets who love the sofa too, have a lint roller around to pick up the fur.

use velcro

Use Velcro

Sofas with separate cushions often don’t stay in their place and give it a messy look. Getting a velcro attachment added to it can easily keep them in place.

These tips will help you in understanding all your questions regarding how to clean a sofa at home. Maintaining it can seem like a daunting task, but investing in a good-quality couch will make your efforts worth it. For great customizing options at the best sofa prices online, visit wakefit.co .

Maintain your sofa’s elegance easily: Choose from the handpicked lot.


Frequently Asked Questions on How to Clean Sofa at Home

If you want to clean your fabrics regularly and efficiently, choose sofas with removable covers. With these, you can quickly get them cleaned in the washing machine without hassle, making sofa washing easy.

  • Remove the sofa covers
  • Brush them well
  • Use a vacuum
  • Steam clean for extra points
  • Use vinegar,dish soap or baking soda to remove the stains
  • Dry it well for avoid foul smell

The best way to deal with tough stains is to act on them immediately.

  • Use a mix of soap, vinegar, and baking soda.
  • Apply the mixture on to the stain.
  • Leave it on for five to six minutes and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

This should help in lightening the stain.

Remember the following points to best maintain your sofa:

  • Know the needs of your sofa. The fabric, the cleaning, etc.
  • Choose a sofa you can maintain with your existing lifestyle
  • Vacuum clean every month
  • Deep clean every 4-6 months
  • Disinfect every week

These steps would be sufficient for a well-maintained sofa.

Fabrics such as cotton and linen are easy to manage. If you want more variety, leather, suede leather, or faux leather sofas are also easy to maintain. To clean up, all of these textiles can be washed at a medium temperature with a decent detergent. It’s also worth noting that cotton fabrics are significantly easier to maintain and tend to look nicer after washing.

There is a sign that says “washable” or “not washable” under each of the clothing labels. It is one of the simplest methods for determining whether or not a fabric can be cleaned.
The other signs which you can see on any kind of fabric are

  • Machine washable
  • Wash cold
  • Wash hot
  • Wash warm
  • Hand wash
  • Do not wash
  • Do not wring
  • gentle/wash cycle

Sofa cleaners may vary depending on the fabric and the cleaner used to remove stains and filth. Many people utilise essential things like:

  • Fuller brush upholstery cleaner,
  • Leather and sofa cleaning,
  • polishing, and so on.

Home cleaning, on the other hand, is a good recommendation. The best sofa cleaners include necessities such as:

  • A dust brush,
  • Long-necked vacuum,
  • Rolling and scrubbing methods,
  • Vinegar or baking soda for stains,

and allowing the area to air dry after cleaning.

To naturally freshen up your sofa, it is critical to expose your furniture to a healthy environment with plenty of fresh air.

  • Instead of clinging to an unpleasant odour for a longer amount of time, this will cause it to dissipate.
  • Sprinkling baking soda on furniture and allowing it to stay for a few hours before vacuuming it up is a natural technique to reduce spot odours.

Also keep in mind to try a patch test on any furniture or sofa before you proceed, in this way you will not damage the entire fabric

Many individuals say that their couches are itchy, which can be caused by the type of fabric used, as well as the form and structure of the sofa. The most common causes could be as follows:

  • pillow mites,
  • old worned out sofa
  • hard foam from sofa or cushions
  • contact with insects
  •  pet lice
  • dried liquid
  • chemical sprays
  • Dirty or unclean vacuum cleaner

These frequently react to the human body’s sweat, causing discomfort to sensitive skin. To minimise problems, make sure to properly dry the sofa fabric after cleaning, maintain switching to new textiles, and make sure the sofa is mite-free.

What to Read Next

Quirky House Wall Designs

February 23, 2022

Modern Coffee Table Decor

February 1, 2022

Go to home page